The Black Hills State University’s Chiesman Endowment for Promoting Democracy is seeking applications from BHSU faculty members interested in pursuing research in the areas of democracy, civic education, law-related education, or the promotion of democratic principles and ideals. The endowment will award two $3,000 grants to faculty members who meet the following criteria.

1. The research or scholarly activity focuses on the intent of the Chiesman Endowment. The Chiesman Endowment is seeking research and publication on topics related to the promotion, study, and preservation of democracy and democratic ideals.

2. The findings will result in an on-campus public presentation, sponsored by the Chiesman Committee, within one year of the award of the stipend unless other arrangements are made. The Chiesman Committee will look more favorably on proposals that will eventually lead to a publication in a national journal or magazine.

3. A proposal, which will serve as an application, will be submitted to the BHSU Office of Sponsored Programs by December 1, 2014. The Office of Sponsored Programs will forward the proposal to the Chair of the Chiesman Endowment Committee for review and approval for funding.

The announcement of awards will be made by January 15, 2015.

4. The proposal will contain the name or names (if it is a joint project) of the investigators, the research question or problem, a proposed methodology, a statement of relevancy to how the project will promote or preserve democratic ideals and principles, a proposed budget, and finally, a statement on where the results could be published. The proposal should not exceed three pages (double spaced).